Process-inherent microstructural heterogeneities can have marked effects on shock wave propagation. Incorporating intentional heterogeneities in the form of controlled pores allows for a deeper investigation of their effects on shock wave motion. In this work, 316SS samples were fabricated using laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing with controlled sizes of isolated pores to determine their effects on shock wave interactions. Plate-on-plate impact experiments were conducted to determine the pore-induced dissipation effects of shock waves on subsequent spall failure. The resulting analysis revealed shock-wave mitigation caused by the collapse of pre-existing pores that varied dependent on the pore size and location within the sample, leading to a decrease in damage. At a lower peak stress, a higher number of pores and a larger pore size led to an increase in the dissipation of the shock wave. However, while single larger size pores effectively disrupt the shock wave and limit the spall damage experienced at higher peak stresses, the presence of multiple pores does not dissipate the shock wave as effectively, and more damage is observed.
